Palace hopeful Duterte will adhere to Magna Carta of Women once seated

MANILA, Philippines – The Malacañang on Wednesday said it is expecting presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte to adhere to the principles protecting women’s rights in the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), once he assumes the presidency on June 30.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said how Duterte would address women’s rights weigh more now than during the campaign season.

“Unlike during the campaign, when he shrugged off criticisms of such remarks, as President he would be expected to demonstrate strong and faithful adherence to the principles enshrined in the Magna Carta for Women and to all the laws of the land,” he said.

Coloma made the statement after the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) resolved that Duterte violated the Magna Carta of Women with his rape joke based on its investigation. It is requesting both the Civil Service Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to consider taking appropriate measures against the presumptive president for his violation.

“In adopting the Resolution, the CHR, as an independent and constitutionally created body, has done its duty in fulfilling its mandate and as an advocate of women’s rights,” Coloma said.

Last April, a video of Duterte where the mayor was speaking at a political rally and telling a story about an operation against criminals who raped a number of women went viral. His remarks earned criticisms from his rivals in the presidential race as well as from other groups including the CHR.

Early Thursday, Duterte responded to the CHR ruling and called out on CHR Chair Chito Gascon saying he is 'nitpicking.' —Rosette Adel